In a joint effort to combat plastic pollution, Prevented Ocean Plastic Southeast Asia and consumer goods giant Danone have opened a new high-capacity plastic recycling centre in Samarinda, Indonesia, reported Packaging Gateway.
This facility represents the ninth of its kind established by Prevented Ocean Plastic, contributing to its ambitious plan to launch 25 worldwide centres by 2025.
Set to recycle 500 tons of plastic each month and create 90 direct jobs for local residents, the new facility in East Kalimantan province on Borneo Island will serve communities near the Mahakam River—a vital waterway currently threatened by plastic pollution.
Danone’s Indonesian bottled water brand AQUA has been a key partner in the project, funding the centre’s construction and committing to being a major customer for the recycled plastic it produces.
This partnership supports Danone’s sustainability strategy and underscores its commitment to reducing plastic waste in the region.
By addressing the escalating plastic waste issue in East Kalimantan—where plastic constitutes 19.5% of all accumulated waste—the centre will play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental challenges in the region.
The centre’s efforts to collect and recycle discarded plastic will prevent waste from reaching the Mahakam River and nearby waterways, helping to protect delicate ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them.
“This collaboration is expected to assist the Indonesian government with waste problems by developing circular economic infrastructure outside Java. Thus, the company can maximize its contributions to the waste reduction roadmap,” said Vera Galuh Sugijanto, vice-president general secretary of Danone Indonesia.
“In addition to being a form of the company’s commitment to implementing the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation, this collective work aligns with the company’s sustainability strategy as stated in the Danone Impact Journey.”
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhering to the highest environmental standards, the new centre is poised to make a significant impact on the circular economy and promote sustainable practices in the region.